Cave de Turckheim, founded in 1955, is a cooperative of 216 growers in Alsace that produces a variety of wines, including Crémant d’Alsace brut, demi-sec, and rosé brut, chasselas, gewürztraminer, muscat, pinot blanc, pinot gris, pinot noir, riesling, sylvaner, and a selection of Vendanges Tardives (late-harvest wines) under different brand names. I have had the great pleasure of tasting a couple of these wines already, including the Mayerling Crémant d’Alsace Rosé Brut and the 2013 Cave de Turckheim Tradition Gewürztraminer. The wines are imported to the United States by Magnum Wines International, for whom I used to work.
The 2013 Cave de Turckheim Tradition Pinot Gris, Alsace, produced in stainless steel, is a gem of a wine and a great value. It is luscious, floral, and fruity – both on the nose and the palate – with aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, orange, tropical fruits, and spice. It is textured and rich, yet crisp and lively with acidity. I love the interplay of fleshiness and brightness.
Specifications:
100% Pinot Gris
Residual Sugar = 11.1 g/l
Total Acidity = 4.7 g/l
Alcohol By Volume = 13%
Stelvin (screwtop) closure
Suggested retail price $23 (sample)
Pinot gris is not often my first choice, but it is a wine like the 2013 Cave de Turckheim Pinot Gris Tradition, Alsace, that reminds me time and time again that no two pinot gris are alike and to keep tasting, because you are bound to find one that you love. The ability of this pinot gris to win me over with its level of quality at an accessible price point is why I’ve chosen this wine as a Beth’s Smart Sip.
Cheers!
Beth
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